Method and apparatus for adjustably mounting a speaker

Abstract

A speaker mount includes a support structure attachment, an adjustable mount connected to the structure attachment and including a first connector, and a speaker attachment including a second connector. The first and second connectors may selectively be connected or disconnected, permitting a speaker to be connected to and disconnected from the remainder of the mount. The first connector is mounted to a ball. A lock plate is mounted at an opposing side of the ball from the first connector. A fastener controls the distance between the first connector and the lock plate. In one position, the fastener draws the lock plate and first connector towards one another, fixing the lock plate in a position on the ball, and in another position allows the first connector to be moved relative to the ball. The mount permits orientation of a speaker in a variety of positions relative to a support structure.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to adjustable mounts for bodies such as loudspeakers.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Loudspeakers or “speakers” are used in a variety of settings and locations. Older speaker configurations were commonly “floor” speakers which were configured to set directly upon the floor. A variety of newer speaker designs are smaller and lighter and suitable for mounting to a wall, ceiling or other elevated support surface.[0003]It is desirable to orient speakers in particular directions, such as to optimize sound projection. In the case of floor mounted speakers, the speakers can easily be turned to change the direction they project sound. It is similarly desirable to permit the orientation of a wall or similarly located or mounted speaker to be changed.[0004]One common type of wall speaker mount is a “U” type bracket which mounts to the wall and connects to either side of a speaker. This bracket securely attaches the speaker to the wall...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a method and apparatus for adjustably mounting a body, such as a speaker, to a support structure, such as a wall. The mount includes a structure mount, an adjustable support, and a body support. The adjustable support includes a ball and a first connector that is supported by the ball. The body support includes a second connector for location at the exterior of the body to be supported. The first and second connectors can be engaged or disengaged to connect or disconnect the body from the adjustable support. The mount has advantages such as a simple design, a convenient and accessible mounting and adjustment configuration, and a stable and secure mounting of the body in desired position."

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, this mounting only permits the speaker to be moved in one plane or direction—generally up or down about a horizontal axis through swivel pins connecting the mount to the speaker.

These mounts generally have a number of undesirable drawbacks, however.

On the other hand, this mount has a very complex design.

This design, including location of a variety of moving parts within the speaker enclosure itself, renders the design costly to manufacture and implement, and occupies a great deal of space within the speaker, which compromises the function of the speaker.

The design of this mount limits its use with only specially designed speakers and no others.

Another issue is that the adjusting mechanism is dependent solely upon pressure applied by a clamp to a ball.

In this configuration, the clamping force is applied through the speaker body itself, and the clamping force may be limited.

Moreover, this clamp is the only means by which the speaker is connected to a wall, so that if the ball loosens from the clamp, the speaker can fall from the mount and be damaged or destroyed.

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